KENNESAW, Ga. (AP) Tyler Hooker led all scorers with 28 points and six 3-pointers despite briefly being taken to the locker room after a fall and Kennesaw State battled past Tennessee Tech 73-68, ending a nine-game losing streak on Saturday.

Santa Claus was in the house for the Owls' annual Holiday Game, but this win was no gift. The Owls (2-9) got out to a 15-point early lead with Hooker scoring 12 of those in the first nine minutes. Tennessee Tech (3-8) cut that down to 41-36 by halftime, and the inside-outside combo of a Hunter Vick 3-pointer and Courtney Alexander dunk gave the Golden Eagles a 46-45 lead five minutes into the final period.

Kennesaw State rebuilt some cushion with a 9-0 run and Tennessee Tech never led again despite coming within three points four times down the stretch.